“To Be A Well Rounded Player, You Must Have A Well Rounded Workout Program”

Ever felt like you weren’t seeing enough improvement from your hours at the gym? Ever wondered what makes up a college or professional-level basketball workout? Ever needed basketball workout advice but don’t know where to turn? Look no further. We all know the key to a great workout is you get out what you put in. By changing a few small habits, and incorporating a renewed mindset, you can immediately start reaping the rewards of a top notch workout.

The following should be included in each and every workout:

1. An Intense Warm Up

Every journey must start with a first step, and your workout is no different. A proper warm up is meant to get your blood going, warm up tight muscles, & break a strong sweat. But most players fail to recognize the mental aspect of warming up. A good 10 minute warm up is all you really need to get both your mind and body stretched, warmed, locked-in and focused for the workout at hand.

2. Ballhandling/Shooting

These two things are essential to a proper work out. Most players usually include a decent amount of ballhandling and shooting into their workouts. I prefer to work on ballhandling before shooting because it helps me find my feel for the ball, giving my shot more confidence.

The key in this area is to always stay on your toes by changing the drills/workout routines with ballhandling and shooting. If you continue to do the same drills over and over, you will stunt your growth as a player and playmaker.

3. Game Situations

This is an area where the majority of young players fail to take advantage. You can do all of the ballhandling/shooting in the world, but if you can’t translate these skills into an actual game environment, you are working for absolutely nothing. Here at the Morris Basketball Program, we are constantly putting our players through game-like situations to test their skills in a real environment.

Although this particular aspect of your workout is difficult with only one player, appropriately placed cones (as defenders) and a strong imagination can get the job done.

4. *Conditioning*

Believe it or not, this is the most important part of your workout! If you are not in basketball game shape, it doesn’t matter how good you are. If you can’t get up and down the court and keep up with your team or opposing player, you have no right to be on the court!! Basketball is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, so if you are not in prime shape (with enough stamina to last an entire game) you may struggle.

5. Free Throws!!!

If you have done a good enough job with #’s 2, 3, and 4, you will find yourself at the free throw line. A LOT. If you can’t convert free throws, you are hurting yourself as well as your team. If you struggle at the line, learn The 5 Steps To A Perfect Free Throw

Free throws should be shot during regular intervals between drills (while you are still tired). Shoot at least 3-5, and make sure you do some form of conditioning as punishment for every missed free throw.